Case Win: Preserving Nurse Union Member’s Higher Classification

Defying Reclassification: Passionate Nurse Educator's Fight for Fairness

Our member, a nurse educator at a tertiary institute, found herself at a crossroads. She was passionate about their job, always going the extra mile to ensure the well-being of the students. Yet, despite years of experience in the healthcare sector, her employer attempted to reclassify her to a lower level—the lowest rung on the employment ladder, actually! 

It was a disheartening situation, one that should never happen. But she wasn't one to back down. She reached out to the Nurses Professional Association of Queensland (NPAQ) for assistance. Industrial Relations expert (with a background in the health sector) Adam was quickly assigned to her case.

Adam, an NPAQ representative with a background in EBA negotiations, is no stranger to the intricacies of employment contracts and the EA. When our member contacted Adam, seeking advice on their situation, he immediately recognized that something was amiss. 

Adam had a detailed discussion with our member, identifying that they were performing duties that went beyond the scope of the proposed classification. Issues like this can be easily overlooked, so it is always helpful to have someone like Adam, with expertise and a keen eye for detail, as a valuable part of the team. 

The difference came immediately. The employer agreed to a higher nurse classification, amending the employment contract accordingly. This was not just a victory for our member but potentially for anyone in our Nurse Union facing similar circumstances.

Adam's intervention was not just about correcting a classification; it was about restoring the otherwise shaken faith our member had in the system; about standing up for what's right; and about ensuring that our members are recognized—to the letter—for their professional worth. It was a small change on paper but a big win for our member and Adam. Well done! 

In a world where professionals can feel like little cogs in a big trundling machine, Red Union is making unions better. As a Red Union member you are treated like an individual and we’ll always try to resolve your case. That’s a guarantee. 

Why is the NPAQ different? We believe that real change in education STARTS with empowering frontline teachers, not bureaucrats. 

If you are a member of NPAQ and need assistance with a workplace issue, please submit a member support ticket on your dashboard, or contact us at 1300 252 777 - hotline@npaq.com.au 

To find out more about NPAQ and become protected today visit: https://npaq.redunion.com.au/join